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Many children get nervous as August creeps up on the calendar, fearful that their summer of freedom is almost over. But there are many creative ways to use incredible Arkansas attractions, museums, state parks, nature centers and local destinations to make learning a part of an everyday experience. Take on Arkansas adventures and use the last month of summer to ease back into learning while still making great memories and discovering new places.
In our home, we try to use mornings for learning and afternoons for play. Of course, sometimes that gets flip-flopped and all mixed up. But, as it turns out, those tend to be the days that are talked about most, when we use everyday moments for education.
English
This typically includes writing, creative writing, journalism, oral communication, speech and drama:
— Visit a local library or bookstore. Lots of Arkansas libraries have summer reading programs with points accumulating to prizes. Incorporating a little reading time is a great way to keep expanding your child’s mind and take them on adventures from the pages of a book.
Check out the information about these Arkansas educational destination and resources:
- Printing Press Cafe | Calico Rock
- Historic Arkansas Museum, Printing Press Tour | Little Rock
- Print Shop Museum | Washington
- Warrior Gabby Warehouse | Searcy
- Playhouses and Theater productions are back in full swing | Across Arkansas
Math
This area typically involves traditional mathematics areas like geometry, algebra, geometry but can include computer science and invention:
- Cook a family recipe. Cooking with kids is a great way to practice math over the summer. Whether it’s doubling a peach cobbler, creating breakfast treats, or savoring a sweet treat: use tasty foods to practice fractions, sequence and multiplication.
- Arkansas Innovation Hub | Little Rock
- Family Bowling Day | Across Arkansas
- In partnership with the Arkansas Department of Education, Arkansas PBS launched a new bilingual broadcast program called Rise and Shine on July 6, emphasizing summer learning. Each day at 10 a.m., a group of Arkansas teachers shares a curriculum experience for students grades kindergarten through fifth grade. You don’t even have to leave your home to take advantage of these experiences, and your children will think you are a super parent for giving them extra TV time!
Social Studies
This typically includes contemporary history, historical accounts, geography, cultural and global studies, civics and government, and personal finance:
- Arkansas National Parks | Gillett, Hot Springs, Hope, Pea Ridge, Little Rock, Fort Smith, Harrison
- Clinton Presidential Library | Little Rock
- Old Statehouse Museum | Little Rock
- Explore sites on the Old Military Road | Wynne
- ASU Museum and Tinkering Studio | Jonesboro
- Delta Gateway Museum | Blytheville
- Powhatan State Park | Powhatan
- Architecture and Genealogical Museum | Osceola
- Ka-do-ha Indian Village | Glenwood
- Freedom Park, Fort Curtis, Battery C Civil War Site | Helena
- Settlers parks | across the state. Many towns have “settlers” areas as part of their local city park. It’s time to explore those log cabins, read the signs and learn more about the origination of your community.
- Local museums | across the state.- Many small communities have local museums that unveil past stories with relics that make history come alive.
Natural Science
This area typically includes physical science, life science, biology, chemistry, physics, and ecology or outdoor exploring. Get this kind of education all over the Natural State:
- Mid-America Science Museum | Hot Springs
- Museum of Discovery | Little Rock
- Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources | Smackover
- Outdoor Learning at Ozark Natural Science Center | Huntsville
- Ozark Highlands Nature Center | Springdale
- Art and Science Center | Calico Rock
- Paragould Meteorite | Fayetteville
- Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center | Jonesboro
- Witt Stephens Nature Center | Little Rock
- Delta Rivers Nature Center | Pine Bluff
- Jewel Moore Nature Reserve | Conway
- National Fish Hatchery | Norfolk
- Ecology explored at outdoor parks with hikes, waterfalls, rock climbing, kayaks and ATV trails
- Biology comes alive at the Little Rock Zoo or Gentry Drive-Thru Safari and Wildlife Refuges
Fine Arts
The topics that typically fall into elective areas build on a flex schedule based on a student’s interest and career goals. Summer plans should do the same:
- Crystal Bridges Museum of Modern Art and 21C hotel | Bentonville
- The Momentary | Bentonville
- Quigley’s Castle | Eureka Springs
- The Unexpected Mural Tour | Fort Smith
- Mountain Music | Mountain View
- Searcy Art Scene | Searcy
- Bradbury Art Museum | Jonesboro
- South Arkansas Arts Center | El Dorado
- The Artistry | Searcy
- Dulcimer Shoppe and Fine Crafts | Mountain View
- Sprayetteville Street Art Tour | Fayetteville
Career Focus
- Heifer International Headquarters, Cafe Village | Little Rock
- Scott Family Amazeum | Bentonville
- Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie | Stuttgart
- Howard County Fire Museum | Nashville
- UAPB Museum | Pine Bluff
Final Challenge
Create an “inspector” day and dig into a fun fact that would scratch the curiosity itch for your family. Get online or in a local history museum and research, find a destination that will teach you more or interview someone on their experiences. A few resources to get you started:
- Arkansas Baseball History
- Discover Unusual Wildlife
- All-American Red-heads Basketball Team
- Find out the Arkansas roots of celebrities – George Hamilton | Johnny Cash | Will Rogers | Al Capone | Babe Ruth
- Chase Down the Oldest Structure in AR
- Find the French Connection
- Arkansas Pearl Rush
- Sinking of the Sultana
- Stir up Trouble with Arkansas Outlaws
- What’s Up with Moon Trees
Bonus
Here are a few more Arkansas Adventures to make the most of the remaining dog days of summer:
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